teaching

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Twenty years ago Blessed Pope John Paul II published the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote at the time:

“...this catechism will make a very important contribution to that work of renewing the whole life of the Church ... I declare it to be a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion and a sure norm for teaching the faith.”

Fidei Depositum 1, IV

During the Year of Faith every baptised person is invited to re-read the Catechism to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the most important gift that they’ve been given - their faith. The Catechism helps everyone to learn about the content of the faith as received and safeguarded by the Church during the past 2000 years.

Pope Benedict XVI writes in his Apostolic Letter announcing the Year:

“From Sacred Scripture to the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a permanent record of the many ways in which the Church has meditated on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers in their lives of faith.”

Porta Fidei 11

He adds: “In its very structure, the Catechism of the Catholic Church follows the development of the faithright up to the great themes of daily life. On page after page, we find that what is presented here is no theory, but an encounter with a Person who lives within the Church. The account of sacramental life, in which Christ is present, operative and continues to build his Church.

Without the liturgy and the sacraments, the profession of faith would lack efficacy, because it would lack the grace which supports Christian witness. By the same criterion, the teaching of the Catechism on the moral life acquiresits full meaning i f placed in relationship with faith, liturgy and prayer.”

Porta Fidei 11

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is offered as an indispensible tool to support growth in faith. Some parishes already have groups that meet at intervals to read and study this text. During the Year of Faith you may choose to start such a group and / or commit to reading a paragraph daily as a way of deepening your appreciation of the Church’s teaching.